Should I or shouldn't I???

[gregmonsta]

I recently went into a local petshop (I've been there many times but didn't like the owner's attitude much as 1-he won't buy in CB from local people 2-he had no interest in getting in garters). To be fair it has a good reputation ... so far lol ... and the prices are great on frozen food in Scotland (100pinkies - £19).
So I was there at the weekend and saw an exo-terra filled to the brim with some beautifully coloured ribbons which have an amazing blue colouration, really I've never seen ribbons like these in the flesh before. They (about 10 of them) were sharing their small exo-terra with a few rough green snakes . They're WC, look perky but a lot of them had scale damage (obviously from predation thoughout their life). Feeding on pinkies fish and earthworms (at least the shop got that right .. although they've been 'sharing' the rough-greens' insects ).
I'm considering scrimping out and getting one of the larger females ( might be a chance there to get some free babies) ... They're £30 each ... Should I?

[Stefan-A]

I'd seize the opportunity simply because I'm never going to get that chance here where I live. But because you probably have it slightly better over there and because of the reasons you mentioned, I'd rather not support the people who catch them or the people who sell them. There will be other opportunities, with healthier better treated CB snakes.

[guidofatherof5]

You sound like you want to. If you have the money and space, why not. It's only one more(how many times have you said that to yourself)

[infernalis]

Blue ribbons, Yeah Greg, Go for it.

I agree with Stefan's statements, But at least one (or some) would have a proper home.

[gregmonsta]

I do want to .... I'd rather they were captive bred but ... I'm hoping to take over the local garter availabilities in the future ... he's the only shop that hasn't been interested in what I would have to offer when I've approached then ... but how will his ribbon sales go if I start flooding the other pet shops with CB babies and sell them privately for £10-15 a squiggle?
I'm more thinking about parasites etc. I've got the space to quarantine but medicating a ribbon for worms etc has got to be pretty tricky (Our ratsnake was fine but then she was big enough to control easily), the scale damage would also potentially cause shedding problems in the future.
I'll ask when I'm in next .... maybe I can beat him down on price yet. I think so far I'd be looking at £60 for snake, fecal smear and potential medication.

[gregmonsta]

The colouration is similar if not stronger than the top snake in this pic - Google Image Result for http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2263/1542878923_c98506041e.jpg?v=0 ... actually not even ... it's the closest thing I could find ... these ribbons are leaning towards puget-blue colouration and have a muted yellow stripe. I'm fairly certain their eastern ribbons too.

[guidofatherof5]

I was hoping you would post a photo.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

Maybe its a gulf coast ribbon those can have lots of blue
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...akeOnShore.jpg

[jitami]

I would go ahead Greg... and while you're there, supporting his business, I'd broach the subject of selling CB to him once again. Couldn't hurt? If he agrees that he's willing I would even consider picking up a pair. My thinking is that if you could get him to accept your CB's then he'd place less of a demand on importers/exporters/collectors. I wouldn't make it an ultimatum like if you'll promise to buy from me in the future I'll buy this ribbon... have a feeling he'll tell you where to stick it... but after you've talked to him about the ribbon a bit, picked out your female, perhaps are even at the register, then bring it up. Good luck

[infernalis]

Medicating a ribbon is not too hard, inject the meds into some fish and feed it to them.

We had to do this to get med in our Puget "Sky"